Applying for your provisional driving licence

If you want to learn to drive a car, you must be in possession of a valid provisional driving licence. The same holds true if you want to learn to drive a motorcycle or a moped. You must be 17 years old to be able to hold a provisional licence. You may apply for the licence up to 3 months before you turn 17, but you may not drive with your provisional licence until you reach that age. If you only need to your licence to drive a moped, the minimum age is 16 years old.

How do I apply for my provisional driving licence?

There are a few different ways that you can apply for your provisional licence. You can either apply online, or by sending in a postal application.

Applying online

You can make an online application for a British provisional licence if you:

Have an official form of identity such as a UK passport

Are resident in Great Britain

You meet the minimum eyesight requirement

There are no reasons that you are prevented from driving

Pay £34

Can provide proof of address for the last three years

Have your National Insurance number

If you have a Government Gateway ID, you may apply online by visiting the Driver and Vehicle Licensing website. If you don't have a Gateway ID, you can register online at the DVLA website and then complete the application form.

You will receive your provisional licence at your current address. Processing times for online applications is approximately 7 days.

If all of your documents are from the UK, post your application to DVLA, SA99 1AD

If any of your documents are from outside of the UK, post your application to DVLA, SA99 1AF

Paper applications cost £43 and can take up to 3 weeks to be processed.

Applying in person

You can no longer make your application in person at a DVLA office, as all local DVLA offices are now closed.

Requirements for driving using a provisional licence

A provisional licence entitles you to drive at all times, but you must be always accompanied by an experienced driver who is at least 21 years old and who has had a full licence for 3 years. You may drive any vehicle within the relevant category (your licence will specify the applicable restrictions), but you must ensure that the vehicle is insured and that it is up to date with tax and and an MOT certificate. You must display an L plate at all times, which can be bought at supermarkets and from major retailers.

In the majority of cases, provisional licences will be valid for 10 years. Once you receive your provisional licence, remember to carry it with you anytime you drive a vehicle. Take good care of the it, as defaced licences are considered invalid and must be replaced at a cost of £20. You will also need to inform DVLA if you change your name or address. Changes to your provisional licence can be made online or by post at no extra cost.